The importance of sleep is no secret. Quality sleep is necessary for physical and mental health. Your sleeping environment and bedding are two factors that play very important roles in your ability to get a good night’s sleep. 

Choosing a comfortable bedsheet can make a huge difference to the quality of your rest. Not to mention, it will also protect your mattress. 

To have comfortable sheets, you don’t need to break the bank. Microfiber and cotton are two of the most commonly used sheets that are also easy on the pocket. 

But which fabric is better: cotton or microfiber? Keep reading to find out.

To better appreciate microfiber vs cotton sheets, let’s get a better understanding of what these two fabrics are, starting with microfiber.

Microfiber sheets are made from fine fibers that are woven together to produce a comfortable and light sheet. They can be made of synthetic materials like wood pulp, nylon fibers, and polyester.

The fibers used are extremely thin and thus have a soft, smooth, and airy feeling that’s similar to silk. Microfiber is measured by its denier (how thick the fiber is). For a fabric to qualify as microfiber, its denier must be less than 1 denier in diameter. 

Thick strands are used during weaving to make the sheet softer, stronger, and more durable. Also, it is less prone to wrinkling compared to natural fibers like cotton. Microfiber has good moisture-wicking properties. The higher its quality, the more moisture it can absorb. 

Microfiber is the choice of fabric for making athletic clothes as it is smooth, slippery, and absorbs moisture easily. Let’s have a look at microfiber bed sheet’s pros and cons.

• Soft, smooth, and durable
• Less prone to wrinkling
• Moisture-wicking properties
• Machine-washable/ low maintenance
• More affordable than cotton

• Highly absorbent and thus very prone to staining
• Durability depends on thread count
• More likely to generate static
• Since it’s synthetic, it can irritate sensitive skin
• Traps more body heat

For the second part of our comparison, cotton vs microfiber sheets, let’s take a closer look at the cotton fiber. 

Cotton is a natural fiber made from cotton plants. Cotton sheets are either woven or knit and come in many weaves like combed, percale, or sateen. It is a versatile fabric that can be blended with other materials to give you blended cotton sheets. 

Cotton is a universally loved fabric. It is a comfortable, organic material that is available across different price points. It is naturally breathable, wicking away moisture and keeping the sleeper cool. However, it also wrinkles easily. Thus, cotton is best for summers and people with high body temperatures. 

Cotton is durable and comes in environmentally friendly options. It gets softer with each wash and is easy to maintain. 

Cotton sheets are measured by staples, or how long and fine the fibers are. These sheets are softer yet remain durable, however, they’re also more expensive. The priciest type of cotton fabric is Egyptian cotton with its high thread count and extra-long fibers. It is followed by Supima or Pima cotton falling in the mid-price range and lastly Upland cotton which is the most commonly used and cheapest option. So, if we were to compare Egyptian cotton vs microfiber sheets, which do you think would win the competition?

• Breathable and moisture-resistant
• Natural fabric 
• Low maintenance
• Available in countless varieties and price points
• Good for people with allergies
• Generally durable

• Natural fibers are not as durable
• Some variations are expensive
• Products with potentially exaggerated thread counts

When doing a microfiber vs cotton sheets comparison, there are a lot of aspects that need to be considered. You may wonder which fiber is best for sheets, or is it better to sleep on cotton or microfiber sheets. Here is a quick comparison:

For most, the cost is the deciding factor when buying something. Thus, it is important to consider the cost of microfiber sheets vs cotton sheets.

While cotton and microfiber are available in wide price ranges, microfiber is generally cheaper than cotton. However, if you want quality and durability, you must consider your sheets as an investment in how well you’ll sleep at night. Cheap sheets may also mean that you’ll have to replace them sooner, thus increasing the cost.

The durability of bed sheets depends on the quality. With cotton sheets, the thread count generally determines how durable the sheet will be. Sheets with higher thread counts last longer.

Similarly, weave determines the durability of microfiber sheets. Flat weave sheets last longer than waffle weave sheets. However, in a bed sheets microfiber vs cotton durability comparison, cotton sheets are the winner as they generally have a durability of 2 to 5 years while microfiber sheets only last around 1 to 3 years.

This category of bed sheets microfiber vs cotton is again won by cotton as it is 100% breathable. The fabric allows the free passage of air through the fabric, making it comfortable for hot sleepers.

Microfiber on the other traps body heat and makes it uncomfortable for hot sleepers. 

So if you are wondering, are cotton or microfiber sheets cooler? The prize goes to cotton sheets. Cotton is super soft and absorbent. It is also quick-drying so it can keep you cool even in hot temperatures.

If you're sweating in your sleep, its probably bc your blankets and or sheet are made of Polyester or Microfiber. Be sure to get 100% cotton

— minosoar (@minosoar) May 9, 2017

However, after cotton, microfiber is the second-best fabric. Hence, if you are wondering, is microfiber better in summer or winter? It works well in both seasons. While microfiber is cool in summer (though not as cool as cotton), it can feel warm during a chilly winter.

The soft, cool, and comfortable feel of cotton is unbeatable. While the softness depends on the thread count (sheets with lower thread counts feel rougher), cotton is still very breathable and airy.

On the other hand, microfiber has a slippery feel like satin and silk. Since it traps heat, it can make you feel uncomfortable.

As mentioned, cotton offers a dry and cool sleep while microfiber can make it uncomfortably hot. Thus, if you are wondering what is the advantage of microfiber sheets, they are best used during winter as they trap body heat.

Maintaining both sheets is quite easy as most sheets are machine-washable. However, cotton can withstand more wear and tear but leaves stains more easily. 

Meanwhile, microfiber can also get stained and it can take longer to remove spots from the fabric.

When considering skin sensitivity and allergy, cotton is your best bet. Cotton is a natural fiber made from plants and does not contain any allergens. In comparison, microfiber is less hypoallergenic but is still a better option than most fabrics available in the market. 

Cotton is a natural fiber and is thus less harmful to the environment. When comparing cotton sheets vs microfiber based on their environmental impact, cotton is the clear winner. 

Cotton sheets are made more easily without requiring too many chemicals. It also biodegrades more easily since it’s made from organic compounds. 

In contrast, microfiber is made of synthetic materials and may contain toxic chemicals though it can be repurposed.

Considering all the factors mentioned, cotton sheets are generally better than microfiber sheets when it comes to durability, breathability, temperature neutrality, maintenance, allergen-friendliness, and environmental impact. However, it is pricier than microfiber and gets wrinkled easily. 

Microfiber sheets, on the other hand, are ideal for cold temperatures since it traps body heat. It is also cheaper and offers a silky feel. Another fabric that is commonly used for sheets is bamboo. However, there are many factors when comparing bamboo vs cotton vs microfiber sheets and the best choice will depend on your budget and preferences. While bamboo is highly durable, soft, and retains its shape, it can also be expensive and less common.

No. Microfiber sheets are silkier and smoother than cotton but not softer. Cotton sheets are made from natural fibers and feel soft against the skin. They are suitable for those with sensitive skin and make sleeping as comfortable as possible.

Microfiber is a synthetic fiber and is generally not hypoallergenic. Though some microfibers can be designed to be hypoallergenic, they aren’t as breathable.

Quality sheets usually last for 2 to 3 years. However, with the proper care, they may last a year or two longer.

Yes. The thread count of cotton sheets determines how soft and comfortable the sheet will be. Usually, a thread count of 200 to 400 is found in mid-range cotton sheets. If you want a more luxurious experience, you will have to get sheets with thread counts between 400 and 700.

Hotels mostly use high-quality cotton sheets. Cotton is more durable, low maintenance, and breathable. Microfiber, on the other hand, is not that breathable or comfortable. Thus, hotels mostly use cotton sheets.